Kira Kiro Artists

Kira Kiro Artists is the Kalumburu community’s recognised art centre, located on land of the Kwini people in north-western Western Australia.

Kira Kiro or Kirri Kirri are Kwini spiritual figures featured in the rock art galleries around Kalumburu and believed to be painted by the beak of the Sandstone Strike Thrush with blood from the tips of its wings. The name was adopted by important senior artist Mary Punchi Clement known for her intricate depiction of the region’s flora, fauna and associated stories.

Art practice is grounded in the rock art tradition, in particular the Wandjina or “rain maker” and Kira Kiro or Gwion Gwion figures, the helpers of the Wandjina.  Contemporary practice including secular themes of land animals, sea-life and seasonal flora, focusing on bush foods and medicinal plant knowledge. Artists paint with natural ochre pigments on canvas, papers and bark and are skilled boab nut engravers.

Senior Artist Betty Bundamurra has worked at Kira Kiro Arts since its inception and was selected for the Art Gallery of Western Australia’s Desert River Sea Visual Arts Leadership program. Betty was born at Karunji station where her father was a stockman, and at the age of three, was brought to the Kalumburu Mission Convent. Betty continues to encourage the continuation of local knowledge and cultural heritage for the generations that follow. Angelina Karadada Boona is also a Senior Artist and arts worker. Her parents Lily and Jack Karadada are significant artists in the Wandjina tradition. Angelina has completed the National Gallery of Australia Wesfarmers Indigenous Leadership Fellowship. Betty and Angelina are both graduates of the ANKA Arts Worker Extension Program.